Simple, Compound, and Complex Sentences - evansjoy Feb 21, 2011
A simple sentence contains one independent clause.
An independent clause is a stand-alone group of words that has a subject and a verb. Basically, it's a sentence.
Example: Ms. Joy laughed hysterically. (Ms. Joy is the subject; laughed is the verb.)
A simple sentence can have more than one subject (a compound subject): Ms. Joy and Ms. Lulua laughed hysterically in office 13.
...or more than one verb (a compound verb): Ms Joy laughed hysterically and choked on her coffee.
Even if the subject and/or verb are compound, the sentence itself is not compound. What makes it a "simple sentence" is that it is ONE subject (even if it's compound) and ONE verb (even if it is compound). A simple sentence can be:
subject verb
subject subject verb
subject verb verb
subject subject verb verb
...and so on.
A compound sentence contains two (or more) independent clauses, joined appropriately.
Independent clauses are joined by:
comma plus a coordinating conjunction (also known as FANBOYS--for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so)
Ms. Joy laughed hysterically, and her office mates stared at her strangely.
a semicolon, sometimes with a conjunctive adverb (such as however, therefore, as a result)
Ms. Joy laughed hysterically; her office mates stared at her strangely.
Ms. Joy laughed hysterically; therefore, her office mates stared at her strangely.
A complex sentence contains a main independent clause and at least one subordinate clause.
A subordinate clause is a group of words that has a subject and a verb, but, unlike an independent clause, it cannot stand alone as a sentence. Subordinate clauses begin with subordinating conjunctions (such as because, although, while, since, as soon as). The following is a subordinate clause: While her office mates stared at her strangely. This couldn't be a sentence on its own; therefore, you'd have to attach it to an independent clause, like this: Ms. Joy laughed hysterically while her office mates stared at her strangely.
Punctuation changes in complex sentences, depending on where you put the subordinate clause. Watch the difference between the two sentences (the subordinate clause is underlined):
You'll never learn to write better unless you practice.
Unless you practice, you'll never learn to write better.
Quiz yourself!
Decide if these sentences are simple, compound, or complex. (Write your answers on a separate piece of paper.)
1: The teacher walked into the classroom, greeted the students, and took attendance.
2: Juan played football while Juanita went shopping.
3: Juan played football, yet Juanita went shopping.
4: Although Mexico has the better football team, it lost.
5: The island was filled with many winding trails, a small lake, and dangerous wild pigs.
6: Naoki passed the test because he studied hard and understood the material.
Simple, Compound, and Complex Sentences -
evansjoy Feb 21, 2011
A simple sentence contains one independent clause.
An independent clause is a stand-alone group of words that has a subject and a verb. Basically, it's a sentence.Example: Ms. Joy laughed hysterically. (Ms. Joy is the subject; laughed is the verb.)
A simple sentence can have more than one subject (a compound subject): Ms. Joy and Ms. Lulua laughed hysterically in office 13.
...or more than one verb (a compound verb): Ms Joy laughed hysterically and choked on her coffee.
Even if the subject and/or verb are compound, the sentence itself is not compound. What makes it a "simple sentence" is that it is ONE subject (even if it's compound) and ONE verb (even if it is compound). A simple sentence can be:
A compound sentence contains two (or more) independent clauses, joined appropriately.
Independent clauses are joined by:A complex sentence contains a main independent clause and at least one subordinate clause.
A subordinate clause is a group of words that has a subject and a verb, but, unlike an independent clause, it cannot stand alone as a sentence. Subordinate clauses begin with subordinating conjunctions (such as because, although, while, since, as soon as). The following is a subordinate clause: While her office mates stared at her strangely. This couldn't be a sentence on its own; therefore, you'd have to attach it to an independent clause, like this: Ms. Joy laughed hysterically while her office mates stared at her strangely.Punctuation changes in complex sentences, depending on where you put the subordinate clause. Watch the difference between the two sentences (the subordinate clause is underlined):
Quiz yourself!
Decide if these sentences are simple, compound, or complex. (Write your answers on a separate piece of paper.)1: The teacher walked into the classroom, greeted the students, and took attendance.
2: Juan played football while Juanita went shopping.
3: Juan played football, yet Juanita went shopping.
4: Although Mexico has the better football team, it lost.
5: The island was filled with many winding trails, a small lake, and dangerous wild pigs.
6: Naoki passed the test because he studied hard and understood the material.
Answers
Sources:
"Sentences: Simple, Compound, and Complex." Advanced Composition for Non-Native Speakers of English. Web. 21 Feb. 2011. http://www.eslbee.com/sentences.htm.Back to GrammarWiki page